Ajit Pawar joins hands with Sharad Pawar for Pimpri-Chinchwad civic polls

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on Sunday confirmed that the two rival factions of the party will jointly contest the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections, marking the first civic body in the state where both sides have formally decided to fight polls together since the party split.

Pawar, however, did not reveal how seats would be shared between the factions, even as nomination deadlines near and opposition parties await clarity on the NCP’s candidate list.

Addressing party workers in Talawade during his campaign, Pawar expressed confidence rooted in his long association with Pimpri-Chinchwad, while warning against complacency. He also targeted the opposition, highlighting the NCP’s development record in the industrial township and accusing rival parties of pushing the civic body into debt.

With just two days left to file nominations, Pawar acknowledged the suspense surrounding candidate announcements, noting that both the NCP and its rivals are closely watching each other’s moves.

In a significant political signal, Pawar publicly referred to the rapprochement within the Pawar family and the party, saying the NCP and Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) are moving forward together in the civic polls, indicating a rare show of unity between the two factions.

Political observers say the PCMC decision could have broader implications across Maharashtra. In Pune, sources suggest both NCP factions have resumed talks on seat-sharing for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections. Earlier negotiations had stalled, leading NCP (SP) to return to discussions with its Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies — Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT).

However, reports that the Sharad Pawar-led NCP skipped recent MVA seat-sharing talks have fuelled speculation about possible realignments in upcoming civic elections.